St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a perennial herb that grows wild in sunny meadows, along rural paths, on dry embankments, and in abandoned fields. It thrives in calcareous, well-drained soils, and can be found from lowlands to altitudes of around 1,600 meters.
It’s particularly abundant in June, especially around June 24, St. John’s Day — hence its name. Traditionally, it was harvested on this date to make protective herbal remedies.
The name “perforatum” refers to its leaves, which, when held up to the light, appear to be covered with tiny translucent dots — in fact, these are essential oil glands containing hypericin, the plant’s most active compound.
🌿 How to Identify St. John's Wort
Here’s what to look for:
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Leaves: Small, oval-shaped, growing in opposite pairs, speckled with tiny translucent dots.
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Stem: Thin and upright, often reddish, featuring two longitudinal ridges visible to the naked eye.
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Flowers: Bright yellow, star-shaped with five petals. When crushed, they leave behind a reddish-purple stain.
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Height: Ranges from 30 cm to 1 meter.
⚠️ Note: Several lookalike species exist, some with no medicinal use. Only Hypericum perforatum is valued in herbal medicine.
🌾 Where, When, and How to Harvest It
St. John’s Wort blooms between June and August, depending on the region. The best time to harvest is during full bloom, preferably in the morning after the dew has evaporated, on a sunny day when the plant’s active compounds are at their peak.
You’ll want to harvest the flowering tops (about the top 10 cm of the plant) using clean scissors or a sharp knife. Harvest only what you need and always leave enough behind for the plant to regenerate.
🌱 Pro tip: Avoid harvesting near polluted areas like busy roads or industrial sites.
🌞 Should You Dry It?
Yes — especially if you plan to store the plant for future infusions or preparations.
To dry it properly:
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Spread the flowering tops out on a clean cloth or mesh screen in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
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Turn them regularly to prevent mold.
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Once fully dry (they should feel crisp and break easily), store them in an airtight container away from light.
👉 For St. John's Wort oil, you’ll want to use fresh flowers, ideally right after picking.
💛 The Benefits of St. John's Wort
St. John’s Wort is known for its calming and healing properties, benefitting both mental health and skin conditions.
1. 🌙 A Natural Antidepressant
It’s commonly used to treat:
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Mild to moderate depression
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Anxiety
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Sleep disturbances
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Chronic fatigue
Clinical studies have shown its effectiveness is comparable to some pharmaceutical antidepressants — with fewer side effects.
2. 🩹 A Powerful Skin Healer
Used topically (in oil form), it helps:
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Soothe sunburns and minor burns
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Calm insect bites
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Heal minor cuts and abrasions
3. 🔥 Anti-Inflammatory Support
Applied in massages, it can relieve:
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Joint pain
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Sciatica
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Muscle and nerve inflammation
🌸 How to Use It
🌞 Internally (only under medical supervision):
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Infusion: 1–2 teaspoons of dried flowers per cup of hot water, up to 3 times per day.
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Capsules or tinctures: Available in pharmacies — follow dosage recommendations from a qualified health professional.
⚠️ Important: St. John’s Wort can interact with many medications, including birth control, antidepressants, and anticoagulants. Always consult a doctor.
🌼 Externally:
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St. John's Wort Oil: Let fresh flowers macerate in olive or sunflower oil, in direct sunlight, for 3 weeks. The oil will turn a deep red. Strain and store in a dark bottle.
⚠️ Warning: The oil is photosensitizing — avoid sun exposure after applying it.
🍃 In Summary
St. John’s Wort is a bright, ancient, and deeply powerful plant. Used for centuries, it offers support for the mind, skin, and overall well-being — when used wisely and respectfully. Learning to identify, harvest, and prepare it correctly makes it a valuable ally in your natural medicine cabinet.